Quote from: hyphen on February 11, 2009, 11:59:59 AM
when i think of icon i generally think of 19 year olds riding squixxers with a mohawk on their helmet.  i say screw the brand though.  shop around and see what fits.  i think that's the key.  my friend told me when i bought my first helmet to try everything on and buy whatever fits without any biases on brands (of course it should be a brand with a good reputation).  stop by a bike shop and try some on and go from there.  if icon fits, get it (but i think hjc makes their helmets?).

for gloves a* has some comfy street gloves that are fabric/leather with carbon knuckle guards and rubber digit protectors.  i paid $40ish for mine since i got my gf a pair too (discount).  theyre very comfy but the only problem is that theyre not good for cold weather. 

but it depends on what kind of riding you do.  recreational, commuting, track?

mainly commute, afternoon rides, shoot out to the beach, summer, winters here are cold, michigan. Riding to work a lot too.

Quote from: Spidey on February 11, 2009, 03:51:15 PM
A couple of thoughts:

1)  I think it's a good idea to initially buy gear knowing that your tastes or your gear needs might change as you get some more experience.  That's not to say that--if you can afford it--that you shouldn't go on an initial gear spree.  Instead, it's prudent to buy something workable at first and then see if you want something more or different or more expensive.

2)  That Icon jacket is mesh.  I'd stay away from mesh.  If you're going to buy a textile jacket (yes, they tend to be cheaper than leather), buy something with abrasion resistance.

3)  In my opinion, a helmet is a helmet as long as it fits, is DOT approved and is a full-face.  I'd avoid buying online because you can't see how it fits your head.  A high priced helment doesn't really get you more protection.  The additional cost is primarily for comfort and features (which are not to be discounted).  The only helmets I've found that really fit my head well are a $250 Shoei and a $500 Shoei.

4)  If you're going to ride in jeans (my take -- don't!), at least buy some knee guards to wear underneath or on top. Personally, I'd rather wear standard jeans with knee guards than wear draggin' jeans.  Not enough impact protection in my book. 

5)   Buy whatever gloves fit.  Personally, I'm pretty wary of those shorter BMX-style gloves because every time I crash, I see scuffing on my wrist.  Shorter gloves may not provide the coverage you want.  You'll probably get another pair of gloves once you've been riding for a while. 

6)  Wear boots.  For now, they don't *need* to be moto-specific, though if you twist and break your ankle, you might regret not having moto-specific boots.  Yes, it'd be *great* for you to have Sidis or something like that.  And no, it's not weird to wear them under jeans.  Many folks do.  Also be aware that there are many moto-specific boots out there that aren't flashy, bling-bling boy-racer boots. 

7)  There are many good deals to be had on moto gear at places like newenough.com or the closeouts at motostrano or elsewhere.  Figure out what you can afford and want to spend for a gear budget and then let us help you find stuff. 

I hope that helps.

Perfect, thathas been the most help most. i may look for moto boots after all. I cherish my legs, i'm a skier and if i fall and can't ski anymore, i would be hella pissed.
Also, I need a place in southwest michigan to try helmets on. The local dealer has HJC and some others, not much though.
I did notice it was mesh after i posted. I'll search again, i dont need mesh for any reason. Leather will still be too $$$ i think
As far as the jeans thing, commuting, going to a store, on the way to work (work pants and dres shoes ha ha no no) just really for around town. I may consider riding pants for a trip this summer.

Thanks for your help again, if you have recommendations, feel free to PM me or reply here.

So stoked to ride this summer!

What is your budget?

New Enough has leather, armored jackets for cheap man. They've got a tourmaster for 200$. Its worth it.

They've got boots for 115$ and up.

Bought my GF an Icon Mainframe Rubatone (Matte) Black helmet last year.
I have total helmet envy.
The fit, finish, and build quality of the helmet is suprising. I was sincerely impressed.
There is a bit of "squid" stigma over the Icon gear, but i feel it is top notch.
They take protection very seriously. They even sew in a St. Christopher pendant into the inside pocket of every jacket.
I have an Icon Accelerant PERF jacket. It's perfed leather, and I am plenty cool on my aircooled (no fans blowing heat on me) monster.
I have contemplated getting a mesh jacket as well, but like the protection my leather offers.

As noted, get signed up for the NewEnough emails, also sign up for emails from CycleGear.com.  Both operations regularly send out mails on discounts.  NewEnough has an active close out and bargain-bin section where you want get some real steals.  I managed to find a 4XL known brand leather jacket that I got as a gift for a friend for $75.  So it's quite possible to find good gear, even leathers for a small budget.

People have also made some references to some pants - If you haven't spotted them a number of companies make riding jeans.  They vary a bit, like some don't have Armour.  But most are heavier denim and have some sort of abrasion resistant material sewn into key area.  If you can find ones with armour - those are preferable.  Also as Spidey mentions, there's companies like Icon, A* and T-Pro that make Armour that is designed to attach to you vs going in a pant or jacket.  These jeans won't be as tough as leathers, they are better than your levis and won't make you look like Boy Racer or and extra from Wild Hogs if you have to spend time wandering around off the bike.

Another bit of advice - if you're looking at item XY or Z, find out where the parent company is based.  Euro manufacturers stuff tends to run small, US and UK will fit more like you'd expect.  For example, any Ducati branded gear I've tried on or own (made by Dianese in Italy) I need to go up at least 1 size, some times 2 to even hope fitting into it.

Good luck on your gear hunt - if you've got any more questions folks here are (obviously) happy to help.

Thanks guys, after talking with my boss (rides a bmw) i've decided to look at shoei helmets. I also was loking at dianese, ill keep the sizing in mind. And i am signing up for those emails as i type.


Torrey

Love my Shoei.  Couple years back, I'd hoped to get a HJC carbon... but they did not fit me at all - shoei  like a head glove

was just at the store. Tried on shark, HJC, and Arai. Though expensive, the Arai was awesome. Too much moolah though, like $800. The shark wasn't bad either. I did not care for the HJC. Just felt not as nice, i wont say cheap, but not as nice. Oh and i did try on an Icon, the padding on the inside wasn't as nice. They did not have any Shoei  helmets, i think thats where i'm at price and comfort wise. The salesman said it is similar in quality to the Arai.

thanks for everyones help today!

Just remember fitment is more important than anything-these all have to pass the same tests to be sold.


Price shouldn't matter, but $800 is pretty steep. I imagine you can find considerably cheaper. Just keep looking and don't settle-you'll have to wear it for a good long time.

Have  a look at the helmet reviews on WebBikeWorld.com  - they are very thorough and also comment one the head shape that each manufacturer tends to suit best.  Look up their Arai review, and that might give you some ideas of helmet manuf that would have a similar internal shape.

Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 12, 2009, 03:22:48 PM
Though expensive, the Arai was awesome.

If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei  generally won't.  The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception.  Or I may just have a fubared noggin.  <retard smiley>

Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei  generally won't.  The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception.  Or I may just have a fubared noggin.  <retard smiley>

And for some reason, this popped in my head:

Arai Vectors on sale at BikeBandit for just over $300... less than a Shoei RF-1000

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3217?WT.mc_id=962881

Quote from: JBubble on February 12, 2009, 04:06:45 PM

Get that helmet - get this plate:

Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei  generally won't.  The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception.  Or I may just have a fubared noggin.  <retard smiley>

+1 that's a very common experience.
arai works for me

Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei  generally won't.  The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception.  Or I may just have a fubared noggin.  <retard smiley>

Good to know, the arai felt good. I've been told the RF-100 is a nice lid
plus, i will check out webbikeoworld
I'll try both helmets

once i get one i'll have to post it on the other "lid" thread